Ludowici haunted tonight, Saturday

A scarecrow that will keep more than birds away is featured in the haunted forest

The Long/Ludowici Fire Department’s annual haunted house — which includes the house of horrors, haunted forest cemetery and hayride — is open for business until Saturday, and thrill-seekers won’t want to miss out on a screaming good time. Ghosts and ghouls jump out to meet those daring enough to enter the cemetery and a forest full of surprises gives way to the haunted house where participants should expect the unexpected — collapsing walls and knife wielding crazy men.After exiting the haunted house, brave souls can hop on a hayride … but there’s no promise anyone will make it back. “This year was even better than before,” said Jason Johnson, who checked out the haunted attractions with his wife Dawn and three children.“I’ve lived here for two years and had heard about it, and it was even better than I heard,” said Art Lehew, who drove over from Claxton with his wife Melvina and their four children.The volunteer fire department sponsors the event each year to offset operation costs.Those who venture into the haunted attraction also can enjoy hamburgers, hotdogs, barbecue sandwiches, chips, cupcakes and candy for the youngsters. “This was the first time I ever went through it, I think I had more fun seeing and scaring my friends, as I did with anything on the ride,” Katie Golden said.The event opened last Saturday and, according to Marjorie DeLoach, more than 500 people showed up and survived the chilling experience.Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12. There’s a supervised play area with toys and games for younger children and children who aren’t comfortable touring the haunted house and cemetery. The haunted house is at the fire department on Marcus Nobles Road and will be open from 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.